ILOILO CITY — The provincial government disclosed that Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. recently signed Executive Order Number 605 that establishes minimum biosecurity standards to fight the African swine feverthat affects many parts of the province.

The measure will implement Tapak (Step), Hugas (Wash) and kag Malimpyo nga Pagpakaon (clean feeding) or "TAHUM" as the provincial government's response to address the ASF problem.

"The execution of biosecurity measures is really at the level of the farm and the facilities and nowhere else. Tahum Campaign is what we will do to move forward," Defensor said.

Currently, eight municipalities in the province have recorded cases of the ASF and at least three towns — Oton, San Miguel, and Leganes — have been tagged as red zones.

Other municipalities have also reported ASF cases but have prevented the infection from affecting other barangays.

Defensor also signed Executive Order Number 606 which institutionalizes the Renewable Energy or the Iloilo ProGReEn program that promotes the development, utilization and commercialization of renewable energy.

"This is really our energy drive. We are now celebrating Energy Consciousness Month and for the province, we have a green Christmas lane here at the capitol to launch our renewable energy drive," Defensor said.

He added that for the first time the province has allocated P30 million for renewable energy projects in its 2023 budget.